The History of Black Cowboys

Listen to this article here Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

What do Beyonce and Timberland boots have in common? They’re increasing awareness about the history of Black cowboys. Traditionally speaking, a cowboy is someone who herds cattle by horseback. In the modern day, it has expanded to include people who participate in horse riding events like rodeos as well as the traditional farmer. 

In Timberland’s latest campaign Black Pioneers, the company highlights the Oklahoma Cowboys. Not to be confused with the Oklahoma State Cowboys, this organization uplifts and creates a space for Black youth to get involved in the rodeo lifestyle. They believe and promote the idea that Black history is cowboy history.  

In fact, some of the nation’s oldest Black rodeos take place in Oklahoma. Founded in 1956, the Okmulgee Invitational Rodeo and Festival entertains the masses every August. With events like bull riding, barrel racing and the annual parade, there’s something for everyone. 

Outdating Okmulgee by several decades, Boley has hosted a Black Rodeo since before statehood. Beginning in 1903, the Boley Rodeo was the product from the all-Black town. Established by freed slaves and their descendants who relocated from the South, Boley is one of 13 all Black towns that still exist in Oklahoma.  

Preserving Black Cowboy History

The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, which is located in Oklahoma City, features an exhibit about the history of Black Cowboys. The display is a collection of art and artifacts that give “insight into legendary cowboys, a clearer picture of the Black West and a more diverse portrait of the American West.”

According to historians, there were approximately 6,000-9,000 Black cowboys in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. After gaining freedom, some former slaves took up work as cattle ranchers. There was also a significant presence of Native Americans and Mexicans who lived the cowboy lifestyle. So if one in four cowboys were Black how did Western culture become more exclusive for white people?

Whitewashing Westerns

Many people picture John Wayne when they think of a stereotypical cowboy, which gives a hint as to who’s to blame. Like many other topics, Hollywood has a way of shifting the public’s perception.

Movies like The Cowboys and Red River, both starring John Wayne, are two popular Western films of the last century. The representation of people of color in this genre didn’t start to rise until closer to the 21st century.

Old Hollywood’s portrayal of the West and the lives of cowboys were more based on mythology than factual historical accounts. There is also the issue of “Spaghetti Westerns,” which are Western movies produced outside of the U.S., mainly in Europe. 

Cowboys of Color

As the world and Hollywood became more inclusive we started to see Black people portrayed in the fantasy world of Westerns. And I’m not talking about the Tarantino film Django.

Jeymes Samuel produced two Black Westerns, The Harder They Fall and They Die By Dawn. The latter occurs in Langston, Oklahoma, a town where the state’s only historically Black university is located.

The world of Black Westerns is only continueing to expand. Set to release on March 1 is Outlaw Posse directed by Mario Van Peebles and starring Whoopi Goldberg. 

Representation of not only Black characters but other minority and historically underrepresented groups has lasting effects. Some psychologists believe that positive portrayals of people of color and 2SLGBTQ+ people can strengthen the self-esteem of the marginilized youth. 

With fictional representations becoming more widespread it will inspire the lives of young Black boys and girls who want to explore the world of cowboys.